When to go?

[fatdaddy]

Greetings,

I will retire this fall, and my wife and I are planning on going to Amsterdam some time after. I have gained lots of good info on here, but not much about the weather. Too boring a subject I guess.

So I would appreciate any recommendations y'all may have about what month we should make our visit. So far, I am thinking about sometime toward the end of March. The airline tickets are a little cheaper before the spring and summer months, and we would prefer to go when it is a little less crowded. I was hoping that it would be warm enough that we could get by with a light to medium weight jacket while walking in 'Dam. Having to pack or carry a heavy coat on the flight over does not seem like a lot of fun. We live in the Southeast U.S. so we are somewhat acclimated to hot weather.

Like I said though, I would love to hear the thoughts of some of you veterans! Thanks in advance. Great site!

[Willjay]

mid March to mid May is tulip time in Holland great spring time weather

[FlyByNite]

A month later, April, has the 420 festivities on the 20th and Queensday on the 30th.
There is a flower parade mid April that ends up in Haarlem.
The weather would be more spring than late winter.

Enjoy
FlyByNite
http://www.CoffeeshopMenus.org

[Colina]

go to wikipedia/Amsterdam!

there is a climate chart of Amsterdam, here is the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam

[StonedSince67]

I will retire this fall, and my wife and I are planning on going to Amsterdam some time after. I have gained lots of good info on here, but not much about the weather ... We live in the Southeast U.S. so we are somewhat acclimated to hot weather.

Days with measurable precipitation are common, on average 186 days per year. Amsterdam's average annual precipitation is 833 millimetres (32.8 in). Most of this precipitation is in the form of protracted drizzle or light rain, making cloudy and damp days common during the cooler months of October through March.

welcome to the forum

the first thing to say about the weather in amsterdam is that it is nothing like the southeast of the usa, so you will need to think about what clothes to take in a totally new way for you

in usa terms think san francisco ... days there can be cool and in a wind with the mists and moisture in the air it can also be bitter cold ... but it can also be gloriously lovely and warm

so you need to be flexible

amsterdam is surrounded by water so moisture is an issue ... it makes things wet and it make things cold ... but it can also be gloriously lovely and warm

the secret is layers ... rather than one garment to deal with all conditions you will need a number of thinner layers which can be put on and taken off as needed ... a couple of layers for warmth, one layer to deal with the bitter wind and one layer to deal with rain or mist

on another matter i just want to double-check that you have read the document How not to get hit by a bike from the excellent S G Collins website recommended by FlyByNite

if you have already read the document, then thanks, but if not, then please please read before you arrive to ensure your safety in the crazy amsterdam traffic, and thanks

whenever you go have a great trip ...

[YourGuru]

A month later, April, has the 420 festivities on the 20th and Queensday on the 30th.
There is a flower parade mid April that ends up in Haarlem.
The weather would be more spring than late winter.

Enjoy
FlyByNite
http://www.CoffeeshopMenus.org

Best Dates: Arrive 4/19.. Depart 5/2...


Have done these dates 3 years (04',07',08')

20/April + 30/April (Koninginnedag) = the Ultimate Holiday!

I'll pay for your plane tickets if you don't have the best time of your life!!! ($1500.00USD Max!)


Warmest..

~Ian

[Saxon]

It's often said that countries in north-west Europe; Britain, Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands don't have a climate, they have weather. Because we're sandwiched between the North Atlantic, North Sea and the continent it makes predicting the weather difficult.
It's usually pretty mild all year round. It never really gets that cold in winter or that hot in summer although there are exceptions, last December's heavy snow for example. It can be sunny one day and be raining torrentially the next. Spring is probably the hardest to predict, winter often lingers long into March but it equally might be mild and sunny.
As has already been mentioned, have layers of clothing so you can be flexible. Definitely bring something that is waterproof as rain showers can come at any time.

[Boner]

The weather can be real nice in the latter half of April, May & September are my 2 fave months to go as it isn't full blown tourist season but the weather can be glorious.

[Nimrod]

If you want to see the tulips, April/May is your time.

I prefer October for a nice, quiet visit.

Both periods offer decent weather.

Whenever you decide to go, enjoy your visit!

[fatdaddy]

To all of you for the responses. I really appreciate the info and suggestions, and I'll take all of them into account when its time to book my trip.

I feel certain we will have a great time whenever we go. And thanks again for your help, and all the great info on this site about where to stay and how to get around, etc.

(airline prices are outrageous lately, wow!)

[USbongLord]

november is a party

[Epsilon]

Been in July and wore 5 layers for days at a time ...been in November and had an occasional day I was comfortable in 3 ...who can tell ? ....The Worst weather for us would be the hot spell of 05. Those big Dutch windows are designed to receive and store heat . I don't mind the layers when compared to that . Hours of daylight may be something to consider . It gets dark eventually in June ,but not for long ....which can be a two edged sword as Amsterdam is so nice under the lights ...

[hulldj]

January usually sees my first yearly trip. I just love the settling of snow and the frozen canals. Ice skating.... Christmas lights still up.... Coffeeshops are fairly quiet, hotels are cheap. Its just a beatuiful time to go. Not much chance of rain, but snow is all around. Yes, it's cold, but you know to wrap up. Oh yeah, and its my birthday.

April is usually my next trip, weather is usually sunny with light rain showers.

September/Oct is usually my last yearly trip, September is usually quite warm and sunny with light showers. October colder and wetter but a couple of years it was hot.

Carry an umbrella with you and make sure the wife has one too. (for when you leave yours in a coffeeshop.

When ever you chose to go you will have a really good time.